PASADENA – As comebacks go, Rick Neuheisel’s return to college coaching after a messy divorce amidst an NCAA investigation and accusations of lying is a good barometer.

However, it pales in comparison to the turnaround of UCLA quarterback Kevin Craft, who overcame one of the worst halves in Bruins history Monday to lead an improbable comeback that resulted in a 27-24 overtime victory over No. 18 Tennessee in Neuheisel’s head coaching debut in front of 68,546 at the Rose Bowl.

After throwing four first-half interceptions and absorbing boos on his way to the locker room at intermission, Craft led a pair of scoring drives during a turnover-free second half to lead the underdog Bruins.

Craft finished 25-of-43 for 259 yards and a touchdown, a considerable turnaround considering he was 7-of-18 for 66 yards and quartet of interceptions as the half.

“I’m unbelievably grateful on a lot of fronts,” said Neuheisel, who was out of the college game for five years.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be here, for a lot of people to stick their necks out to give me this chance, mainly (athletic director) Dan Guerrero and Chancellor (Gene) Block. … Really grateful for the players for buying into the culture… and really grateful to the coaching staff for buying into the relentlessly positive deal.”

The improbable victory came after UCLA nearly melted in the closing minutes. Twice, the much-hyped defense failed to protect a lead, first allowing a 20-yard Montario Hardesty touchdown run with 1:54 to play as the Vols went ahead 21-17.

However, Craft completed 6-of-8 passes on UCLA’s ensuing drive, hitting tight end Ryan Moya for a 3-yard score with 27 second to play as the Bruins went up 24-21.

Again, though, the defense couldn’t hold as Tennessee’s Daniel Lincoln hit a 47-yard field goal as time expired to force overtime.

But in the extra session, Kai Forbath’s 42-yarder gave the Bruins the 27-24 lead and Lincoln’s 34-yarder missed wide left to set off a wild celebration.

Craft said teammates calmed him down after the first half, with a bunch telling him, “they had my back,” he said.

“I was trying to force some throws,” Craft said. “That’s not what I have to do.”

Craft’s first interception came on his first drive, after leading the Bruins to the Tennessee 24-yard line.

However, a third-and-9 a miscommunication with a receiver resulted in a simple interception by DeAngelo Willingham, nullifying a chance for a field goal.

Four of UCLA’s seven first-half possessions ended with interceptions, the last of which was devastating.

Despite mustering only five first downs and being out-gained 198 to 85 yards, the Bruins were poised to head into the half tied. But after taking over on its own 38 with 1:14 remaining, Neuheisel elected to play for points, and on third-and-1 a hefty price was paid.

Craft tried to force another ball over the middle, but Nevin McKenzie read it and stepped in for the interception, adding insult by returning it 61 yards along the right sideline for a touchdown to give the Vols a 14-7 lead.

“We got into bad situations in the first half, third-and-8s and third-and-10s, and that wasn’t his fault,” UCLA offensive coordinator Norm Chow said. “We were real kind to him at halftime, but he’s a good kid and he takes it well.”

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